Gearing Up For The Maker Faire 2009!

So, now the planning and preparations begin! We had so much fun last year!

Would like to get involved? If so, please contact me at galaxygoo -at- gmail -dot- com, with "GalaxyGoo Cell Project" in the subject line. We're getting ready to move to a new web hosting company, so please use our gmail account until we're all settled into the new server.

Some of the things we need help with:

Volunteers to help set up and take down the booth

Volunteers to help staff the booth and help with the activity. We were very busy last year, and had a hard time keeping up with all the visitors to our booth.

Does the research funding process stifle scientific developments?

A great editorial in theNew York Times asks this very question. I'd have to agree with the author, on many points, but especially that research scientists should be able to count on at least a base level of funding that they can count on and not be restricted to investigating only the questions that current funding sources are interested in. It's in the interest of all to keep basic science research alive and lively.

January 20, 2009

A Giant Virus On Fringe?!

OK, I'm a huge sci-fi fan. I read it, I watch it, sometimes I dream it. But, please! Do they have anyone who got through high school Biology on staff at Fringe?!

So, tonight's episode of Fringe centered around these giant-spiny-slug things that crawl out of their victim's mouth after killing them from the inside (apparently). Then, the resident mad scientist declares that it's a giant virus. Giant protozoa, I could possibly accept. But giant virus that looks like a beige sea cucumber? Not a chance!

Surely there's plenty of science literate talent out there available to consult. So, why didn't anyone at Fringe call them?

December 20, 2008

Science Is Back!

Reading this story in the Chronicle today, put me in a good mood: Obama Science picks said to herald policy shift. It looks like scientists will have more of a voice in public policy than they have in recent years. In terms of global warming, energy, and environmental issues alone this is a big step. In my personal opinion, it's a big step in the right direction!

December 06, 2008

Camera Ornaments

I found them! Glass Camera Ornaments!

We used to have a link to these in our Museum Shop, but the company who had them stopped carrying them and then closed down their affiliate program altogether. I still get emails, from time to time, from people asking where they might find these camera ornaments. Well, I just came across some in one of the many catalogs that get stuffed into my mailbox every day.

Please note, that clicking on the link above does NOT result in a donation to GalaxyGoo. I'm posting this purely as a courtesy.

September 22, 2008

Science Toy Store in The Mission

Just a quick note to my Bay Area neighbors: Kid Tech! If you haven't found it yet, you've got to check it out. It's a wonderful little toy shop in The Mission; packed with science, art, and tech toys for kids.

They don't have a full website up yet, but you can get directions to the store on their temp site.

August 17, 2008

What does a stroke feel like?

Do yourself a favor and watch this movie. It's incredible. And while you're there, check out the other content on ted.com, it's a really cool site.

"Jill Bolte Taylor got a research opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: She had a massive stroke, and watched as her brain functions -- motion, speech, self-awareness –- shut down one by one. An astonishing story."